If you are in a hurry, You can pick our editor’s best choice latest powerful HP Pavilion x360 Laptop.
In this article, we have enlisted the best Laptops For College Students Under 500 Dollars for 2024 that will be able to fuel their endeavors without breaking into a sweat.
If you’re a college student interested in basic performance, content creation, video streaming, and computer games, a laptop with a $500 budget is more than enough for you to do all this without any issues. Although running complex 3D modeling software, the development of new apps and large games would necessarily require an increase in budget.
A sub- $500 laptop often covers the bare essentials of computing, such as good processing power, a clearer display, and a strong battery, regardless of the subject or academic field of study.
laptops in the aforementioned price range will cut some corners seriously, so you must determine your needs before purchasing any laptop. And the running of powerful academic software and games playing during your free time, portability should be considered because it will help you to enjoy all these features without a glitch.
The laptop must have a battery that can last long, solid processing performance (presumably for IT professionals) with vibrant 1080p displays.
So do yourself a favor and check out this list I’ve put together of some of the Best Laptops For College Students Under $500.
Let’s get started.
Top 9 Best Laptops for College Students Under $500 in 2024 [Recommended]
With excellent graphics-intensive features, the sub-$500 price range may surprise you with highly efficient and effective, resourceful, powerful laptop selections.
Our experts have compiled a list of the 9 best laptops for your college needs in the following sections (based on performance, portability, and longevity.)
Each laptop underwent extensive testing as well as days of continuous use, and despite the affordable price points, each listed gadget caters to college-going student preferences, such as overall competence, visual quality, acoustics, ease of use, and productivity.
01. Best functional laptop: Lenovo Ideapad 3i
- 【12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U】 The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i laptop is built with powerful 12th generation Intel Core i5-1235U (1.30 GHz, up to...
- 【Display】The 14" FHD (1920x1080) IPS 300nits Anti-glare display with 4-sided narrow bezels lets you see more and do more with better color...
- 【Upgraded】Up to 16GB RAM smoothly run your applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. Up to 1TB PCIe SSD boots up...
- 【Connectivity 】 Stay connected with Wi-Fi 6, 11ax 2x2 + BT5.1, plus one full-function USB-C port, two USB-A ports, HDMI, and an audio jack.
Most college students may be unable to afford a laptop, but the Lenovo Ideapad 3i is an all-around performer that provides a solution at an affordable price. It comes with a powerful 12th-generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor and enough RAM to get you through the majority of your school activities.
The 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor has a boost clock speed of 4.40GHz. This CPU is typically found in the section of laptops under $700, so it’s fantastic that Lenovo is bringing it to a $500 laptop.
It does not have a processing powerhouse like an Intel i7 or i9, but it’ll conveniently handle most applications and software. Also, the CPU is more than capable of handling intensive online surfing, accounting, homeschooling, and many other tasks.
Moving on, Intel Iris Xe Graphics support is available, which is still superior to most Intel UHD graphics cards. The integrated GPU handles graphics processing tasks like entry-level video editing, photo editing, and so on. While graphically intensive games are out of their scope, the powerful integrated GPU can keep you entertained with games like GTA, older versions of FIFA, and so on.
A 16GB DDR4 RAM is an intelligent operating memory that works directly with the processor. It works in conjunction with the high speeds of a 512GB PCIe SSD, and fast data read/write speeds to sustain the software operations and make it run smoothly.
Windows 11 is pre-installed on the Ideapad 3i laptop, which enables you to easily upgrade to a Full mode Windows 10 Home, which gives you access to software outside of the Microsoft store.
The device has a 14-inch Full HD display with a 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution. The display is ideal for displaying presentations as well as watching movies. The panel has a brightness level of 200 nits and does not disappoint in terms of visual output.
The keyboard on the Ideapad is chiclet-style, with no dedicated numeric pad. The key size and positioning are perfect, but the key resistance should have been sharper. The keyboard is appropriate for daily use. The trackpad has a flat surface with optimal sensitivity for different gesture controls and is multi-touch capable.
The lightweight laptop weighs around 3.15 pounds and has a black matte finish on its plastic casing. It has Thunderbolt 3 Type-A ports (two USB 2.0 Type-A and one USB 3.0 Type-A), a card reader, an HDMI port, and a headphone jack. Wireless networking on the laptop is provided by Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth.
The Lenovo Ideapad 3i comes with a two-cell lithium-ion battery that provides up to 7.5 hours of battery life. The battery could last through the college sessions if used properly.
Lenovo offers an HD webcam with a privacy shutter and a good battery backup at a low price and it is a good option for students looking for a laptop that can handle both entertainment and productivity.
PROS
- Fast NVMe-SSD
- Runs quietly
- Stylish & well-made
- Good day-to-day performance
- Nice keyboard & trackpad
- Excellent WLAN transfer rates
- Strong performance for the price
CONS
- No USB-C
- No key illumination
02. Best Versatile Laptop: Dell Inspiron 15
- 【High Speed RAM And Enormous Space】16GB high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; 1TB PCIe Solid...
- 【Processor】AMD Ryzen 5 3450U Processor (4 Cores, 8 Threads, 4MB L3 Cache, Base Clock at 2.1GHz, Up to 3.5GHz at Max. Boost Clock), AMD Radeon...
- 【Display】15.6", HD 1366x768, 60Hz, Non-Touch, Anti-Glare, LED-Backlit, Narrow Border
- 【Tech Specs】2 x USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 x USB 2.0, 1 x Audio Jack, 1 x HDMI 1.4, 1 x SD Card Reader; 802.11ac 1x1 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The Dell Inspiron 15 from the Dell Inspiron -series is a standard and simple laptop that does not compromise the processing performance of the laptop.
It has an AMD Ryzen 5 3450U Processor that is both power-efficient and graphics-optimized is available. The excellent Turbo Clock speed of up to 3.5GHz makes it simple to begin basic accounting tasks and innovative editing. The Intel Iris Plus integrated graphics processing unit manages basic gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks, which include drawing, photo editing, and so on.
The device memory can be expanded to 32GB of RAM. You get here 16GB high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM for multitasking and storage space is provided by a 1TB PCIe Solid State Drive with PCIe compatibility. When it comes to the operating system, students can take advantage of Windows 11 Home in the power-saving S-mode.
The 15.6-inch HD display is not the best on the market, but it’ll do the job, particularly if you intend to use the device for basic academic tasks. Another power-saving feature at work is the LED-backlit panel. You have a total display size of 1366 x 768 pixels to work with, and because of the anti-glare properties, you can work for longer periods.
For basic productivity, you get a standard keyboard, a sensitive trackpad, a serviceable webcam-microphone, and a front-firing speaker combination. The lightweight chassis, with the Inspiron 15 weighing just 3.96 pounds, stands out.
Dell Inspiron 15 includes USB 2.0, USB 3.0, HDMI, and other working ports, and common wired and wireless networking requirements. The internal battery provides a consistent 9-hour backup, making this under $500 laptop one of the best devices on the market in terms of battery backup.
PROS
- Modern AMD Ryzen 5 Speedy Core processor.
- Provides very good performance
- Comfortable keyboard with backlighting.
- The fingerprint reader is integrated into the power button for easy, secure login.
- Full-size USB Type-C, USB Type-A, and HDMI ports.
- Nearly 8 hours of battery life
CONS
- No Thunderbolt 3 port.
- Only two USB 3.0 ports
03. Best all-rounder laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 14
- 【Premium RAM】 Experience improved multitasking with higher bandwidth thanks to 36GB RAM
- 【Storage】 Enjoy up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 1TB M.2 PCIe storage
- 【Processor】 12th Generation Intel Core i3-1215U 3.3GHz 6-Core Processor (10MB Intel Smart Cache, up to 4.4GHz)
- 【Display】 14/ inch HD (1366x768) TN 220nits Anti-glare
If you’re looking for a laptop with an AMD-powered, the Lenovo IdeaPad 14 is the perfect choice for you. Do you know why it is? Continue reading to learn more.
The latest 12th Generation Intel Core i3-1215U Processor comes with a respectable base clock speed of 3.3GHz, and if pick time the 6-core chipset speed can be increased to 4.4GHz. Despite being a low-end chipset, this processor is well supported by the Intel UHD Graphics GPU, which has 192 Shaders and a clock speed in the 800MHz range. As a result, creative processing and content production is now simpler than ever for a $500 laptop.
This laptop has a modest 36GB higher bandwidth DDR4 RAM and a processing speed of 3200MHz. In terms of storage space, college students can find a solid-state drive to Enjoy up to 15x faster performance than a traditional hard drive with 1TB M.2 PCIe SSD storage. The working interface is excellent with the Windows 11 Home edition OS that comes pre-installed with the device.
You also get a large 14-inch screen with an equivalent resolution of 1366X768 pixels. Although the brightness levels are average, the moderate 100 PPI pixel density ensures better viewing angles. Also, the TN monitor has anti-glare properties that help to reduce the pressure on your eyes when working on the laptop. The display is amazing whether you are streaming videos, watching movies, or attending Zoom lectures.
Lenovo IdeaPad 14 has a simple and great productivity-centric feature on the market, such as a decent keyboard, gesture support with the help of the sensitive touchpad, dual speakers, an integrated HD camera, a high-quality microphone, and an elusive optical drive.
It weighs 3.02 pounds. This is a lightweight laptop with simple data and display ports such as USB 3.0, an HDMI port, and a dedicated card reader. Aside from the networking specifications, you also get an excellent battery life that provides 10 hours of backup at a time in our laboratory test.
The new Lenovo IdeaPad 14 is as simple as a laptop can be, and it still stands out among its competitors in the market, all thanks to its groundbreaking processor and integrated graphics card.
PROS
- Fast NVMe-SSD
- Runs very quietly
- Hardly warms up
- Deep keyboard
- Good WLAN transfer rates
- Good performance for the price
- Tries to avoid the typical style-free zone of cheap laptops
CONS
- No key illumination
- No type-C USB
04. Best Performative Laptop: Dell Inspiron 14
- 14.0-inch 16:10 2.2K (2240x1400) Anti-Glare NonTouch 300nits WVA Display w/ ComfortView Plus Support
- 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U (12MB Cache, up to 4.4 GHz, 10 cores)
- 8GB (1x8GB) 3200MHz DDR4; 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive
- Intel Wi-Fi 6E (6GHz) AX211 2x2 Bluetooth 5.2 Wireless Card
Are you looking for a low-cost laptop that can handle multitasking with ease? The Dell Inspiron 14 is a great option for you to consider.
The processor efficiency is commendable for the current price, with Dell introducing the new 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor. The current CPU turbo runs at 4.4GHz and has 10 cores, allowing it to handle challenging computing tasks without stress. Most significantly, since it is a U-series processor, the TDP levels are good.
With Intel UHD integrated graphics at the forefront, visuals and fun game-playing are still possible. This computer includes an Intel UHD GPU which is capable of running older gaming apps with less stress due to the Intel Virtualization technology and the 8GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM.
Dell Inspiron 14 is among the few laptops that students in the college can use for continuous coding, programming, and multitasking. The current SSD module is fast, and the storage capacity of 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive fast SSD. It comes with the Windows 11 Home edition operating system pre-installed in the power-saving S mode.
It comes with a 14-inch FHD+, and the current panel includes touch support, which is fairly sensitive and has an overall resolution of 2240×1400 pixels. Despite the low display resolution, Dell’s patented True-life HD technology makes the display clearer and brighter.
A sensitive keyboard with substantial key travel, a gesture-supported touchpad, integrated stereo speakers with MaxxAudio support, a 720p webcam, and serviceable microphones are among the other beautiful features of the laptop.
It has a 3.4 pounds weight, with USB 3.0, USB 2.0, and other working ports, as well as high connectivity standards. Lastly, the 6-hour backup is a mediocre trait, particularly when it comes to study-related activities.
If you are a voracious reader or a college student looking for a reasonably strong laptop to run applications like Blender and QuickBooks easily, the Dell Inspiron 14 is one of the best laptops for you to get.
PROS
- Inexpensive, with plenty of configuration options
- Excellent typing and navigating experience
- Great big widescreen to work on
- Simple, straightforward design
- Surprisingly decent audio output
- Fantastic battery life
- IPS display with decent contrast
- HDMI and Ethernet ports included
CONS
- Glossy plastic chassis
- Imprecise, sharp-edged clearances
05. Best Fastest Laptop: Acer Aspire 5
- Powerful Productivity: 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor delivers unmatched speed and intelligence, from streaming to browsing to photo...
- Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD IPS display with 81.18% screen-to-body, 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow...
- Keep Your Cool: Experience engineered solutions to maximize cooling with dual fans supporting multiple cooling modes and dual copper thermal pipes
- Internal Specifications: 8GB DDR4 memory; 512GB NVMe SSD to store your files and media
Any college student looking for the ideal combination of portability and processing power should go for the Acer Aspire 5.
The Acer Aspire 5 laptop is powered by the latest 12th Generation Intel Core i5-1235U processor, which is one of the best processors in the mobile computing arena. It has 10-Cores that boost a clock speed of up to 4.4GHz; the CPU is capable of handling any challenging processing requirement perfectly.
This laptop is outfitted with an Intel Iris Xe Graphics GPU with a clock speed of 1200MHz, processor-centric SenseMI technology, and DirectX 12 support.
8GB DDR4 high-bandwidth RAM is more than enough to meet your multitasking demands, and in terms of capacity, the 512GB NVMe SSD solid-state module with NVMe support is noteworthy.
Despite being a lightning-fast storage device, the capacity is inadequate when college-centric priorities are taken into account. Acer provides Windows 11 Home OS, which is augmented further by Amazon’s Alexa as the integrated voice assistant.
The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS screen on the Acer Aspire 5 provides the best display on an medium-level device. Also, it comes with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels which makes the visuals extremely sharps powered by the In-Plane switching technology.
Furthermore, the narrow bezels ensure excellent levels of image quality, while Color Intelligence technology ensures the most accurate color reproduction.
Finally, the current display has anti-glare features, which are best exemplified by Acer’s BlueLight Shield support, and despite being a laptop under $500 laptop, it does not lack productivity-focused features.
It has an advanced integrated touchpad, a backlit keyboard, and powerful speakers with True Harmony technology. You also get an HD webcam and dual microphones with built-in speech purification software.
The Aspire 5 is one of the lightweight laptops on our list, weighing just 3.88 pounds. Despite the slim profile, there are no compatibility limitations, with Acer providing USB 2.0 Gen 1, USB 3.1, HDMI, and other usable connectivity ports, as well as Gig Ethernet and Dual-Band Wi-Fi connectivity.
When it comes to battery life, you get 10 hours on a single charge.
To summarize, the Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best match laptops under $500 for college students on our list, characterized by a stunning display and reliable system requirement.
PROS
- Sleek silver exterior.
- Thin and light, Portable
- Crisp, bright, Decent 1080p display
- Decent CPU and GPU performance
- Comfortable keyboard
- Dedicated number keys
- The interesting surface is haptic.
- Speakers deliver adequate volume
- HDMI and Ethernet ports included
- Good price-performance ratio.
- Long battery runtimes.
- Inexpensive, with plenty of configuration options
CONS
- Lacks a touchscreen option.
06. Best Budget-Friendly Laptop: Asus VivoBook Flip 14
- Powerful & efficient AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.0GHz, 6 cores)
- 512GB SSD and 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 14” Full HD Wideview touch display (with glossy finish) with up to 178° viewing angle optimized for entertainment
- 12.8” wide, 0.7” thin with a stunning 82% screen-to-body ratio; Brushed aluminum chassis and lightweight at 3.31 pounds
Do you need a versatile 2-in-1 laptop that can act as both a laptop and a tablet? If that’s the case, you’ll love this Asus Vivobook laptop.
This convertible, known as the Asus VivoBook Flip, has outstanding processing speed thanks to the Powerful & efficient AMD Ryzen 5-5500U Processor. The U-series processor is energy-efficient and has a turbo clock speed of 4.0GHz. If you don’t run plenty of programs at a time, the chipset is powerful enough to sustain and manage some of the more challenging academic software. And the integrated AMD Radeon™ Graphics is adequate for leisure gaming, and casual while also providing an excellent visual display.
As an affordable laptop, it comes with the latest 8GB DDR4 RAM for effective multitasking. But, it is recommended that you do not run resource-intensive apps on it to avoid running out of laptop memory. The 512GB PCIe SSD drive has enough storage space but is slow in responding to data writing and reading.
The 14-inch screen is multi-touch and has a total display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The touch responsiveness, on the other hand, is a scene-stealer. Also, students will benefit from the Widescreen display and clearer viewing angles.
Another best feature of Asus 2-in-1 is the backlit keyboard with 1.6mm key movement, which is accompanied by a responsive and intelligent touchpad. It also includes fantastic speakers that use SonicMaster acoustic technology. Other unique features include built-in microphones and a VGA webcam.
The Asus VivoBook Flip is one of the lightest budget convertibles on the market, weighing just 3.31 pounds, and in terms of ports, you have access to USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Type-C, and other standard slots. In terms of connectivity, you get fast Ethernet and Wireless support, and on a full charge, the battery will last up to 10 hours.
The Asus 2-1 screen is very small, but the convertible is one of the most powerful 2-in-1s on our list, thanks to the 360-degree hinge for its extremely durable design.
PROS
- Great performance with AMD Ryzen 5
- Good port selection and a fast 512GB SSD
- Touchscreen with Asus Pen support
- Can ‘Flip’ the laptop to tablet mode
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth
- Good connectivity and audio
- Very thin and lightweight
- Decent battery life with fast charging
- Compact 2-in-1 touchscreen display with a 14-inch screen
CONS
- Poor webcam
- The trackpad is smaller than usual
- Brightness is low so needs to be used at almost max
07. Best aesthetic laptop: Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – 17 inches
- 【RAM & Storage】This computer comes with 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD.
- 【AMD Ryzen 5 5625U (6-Core) Processor】The AMD Ryzen 5 5625U is a mobile processor with 6 cores, launched in January 2022. It is part of the Ryzen...
- 【17.3" FHD 1920 x 1080 IPS display】Expand your horizons with a big, bright 17.3" FHD IPS display that lets you see your screen from any angle,...
- 【Other Features】AMD Radeon Graphics, IEEE 802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.1 , HD 720p with Privacy Shutter, Fingerprint Reader, Windows 11 Home OS.
Students interested in using a laptop for professional work should consider checking the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. it is an inexpensive laptop with a respectable specs sheet. This laptop is well-liked not only by students but also by many professors and teachers in the educational field.
When it comes to processing power, the AMD Ryzen 5 5625U (6-Core) Processor is available. The included chipset supports, Hyper-threading and has a turbo clock speed of up to 4.3GHz.
While it isn’t the most versatile option for high-end creative and academic activities, it can manage coding requirements and mid-range software like QuickBooks with ease thanks to Virtualization technology and 16MB of fast-access L3 cache memory. In terms of graphics performance, you get the AMD Radeon GPU, which is integrated.
Despite being a low-cost computer, you have access to 8GB DDR4 RAM to meet your diverse multitasking needs, and because of the NVMe support, the 512GB SSD storage module is extremely fast. Lenovo assures that the device is highly user-friendly thanks to the pre-installed Windows 11 operating system.
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 comes with a 17.3-inch FHD, all thanks to thin bezels and sharp viewing angles. Also, it has a total screen size of FHD 1920 x 1080 pixels IPS display, and most importantly, because of the anti-glare panel, the IdeaPad 3 is one of the best devices students can buy for extended use.
Lenovo’s inclusion of an all-inclusive backlit keyboard and a gesture-supported touchpad boosts productivity significantly. Not to mention a sensitive touchpad, front-firing speakers, an HD webcam with a physical shutter, and the Dual-Array microphone setup. The IdeaPad 3 is one of the lightest laptops on the market, weighing just 4.50 pounds.
Lenovo’s port layout is efficient enough with the USB 3.1, Type-A, HDMI, and other usable slots proceeding with the other basic wireless standards. The IdeaPad 3 model battery performs admirably, providing an 8.5-hour backup.
Generally speaking, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a feature-rich, low-cost laptop for a college student, notable for its portability and low-power processing capability.
PROS
- FHD Display
- Good Battery backup
- Fingerprint Reader security
- Anti-Glare Screen
- Great battery life
- Thin and light design,
- Rapid Charging support
- Privacy shutter for webcam
- Slimmer, and cleaner than 330S
- Complemented by aluminum in its build,
- Solid case, good system performance
CONS
- Spongy click pad
- No optical drive
- No backlit keyboard
08. Best Multi-Purpose Laptop: HP 15-dy5024nr
- SEE AND DO MORE – The HP 15.6 Inch Laptop empowers you to work and watch all day long with its anti-glare screen (1), full-sized keyboard, and long...
- STUNNING DISPLAY– Marvel as your photos, games, and imaging appear crisp with the 15.6-inch diagonal, Full HD (1920 x 1080) display; plus, this...
- SPEEDY OS – Modernize your world; this laptop’s rejuvenated Start menu with ample productivity tools provided by the Windows 11 Home OS (2) lets...
- IMMERSIVE VISUALS – Entertainment appears true to life with impressive visuals provided by Intel Iris Xe graphics (4).
If you don’t mind an older version but still functional computer for your college-related activities, the HP 15-dy5024nr is an excellent option for you.
When it comes to performance 12th Gen Intel Core i5-1235U processor is a worthy inclusion for the sub-$500 price. Despite being from Intel’s 12th generation of chipsets, the power-efficient, 10-core processor boasts a turbo clock speed of up to 4.4GHz. Because of the powerful 10-core efficiency, you can handle simple to mid-level photo and video editing without lagging.
It also has an integrated Intel HD Graphics 520 GPU that works perfectly with the Intel Core i5-1235U.
The current GPU is entry-level, with just 1GB VRAM. Most significantly, it allows for overclocking, thanks to the GPU Boost 2.0 technology. For gaming results, titles such as Ginshen impact, PUBG, Free Fire, Team Fortress, Rocket League, and Farming Simulator can be played at the lowest HD presets while consistently reaching 70 FPS or higher.
Intel Optimus technology allows you to choose between an integrated and a single GPU depending on your needs. When you are not performing graphically intensive tasks, you can change to the integrated GPU.
It has 8GB DDR4 3200 MHz RAM and is a great multitasking tool for college students. You get a 256 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD that gives you plenty of storage for your important files and projects. It ensures that Windows 11 Home is installed for the best user experience.
This business-oriented laptop has a 15.6-inch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. Despite reducing screen resolution, HP provides sharper image quality and good sunlight visibility, thanks to the Wide-angle LED panel. In addition, the current panel has anti-glare properties that reduce eye strain.
HP includes a regular keyboard as well as a sensitive touchpad with the device. The availability of the optical drive, which is somewhat elusive in the latest computers, makes the laptop stand out. You also get a functional microphone array and a good 2MP HD webcam for video conferencing.
The HP 15-dy5024nr weighs 4.94 pounds and includes a standard range of ports and networking options such as Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, USB 3.0, E-port connector, and Gig Ethernet. For improved connectivity, you also get Dual-Band wireless support and Bluetooth 4.0.
It lasted 7-8 hours of average use in our lab testing. Overall, it is a portable and capable laptop that is characterized by an i5 Intel processor and an integrated Intel HD GPU for a laptop under the $500 price range.
PROS
- A reasonable price for the specification
- Good complement of ports
- Sharp Full HD display.
- 256GB solid-state drive.
- 10-core Intel Core i5 processor
- Full-Sized Keyboard
CONS
- No keyboard backlight.
- Relatively large
09. Best Secured Laptop: HP Pavilion x360
- Touch Screen Type : Capacitive
- Get a fresh perspective with Windows 11: From a rejuvenated Start menu, to new ways to connect to your favorite people, news, games, and...
- 11th Generation Intel Core processor: Brings the perfect combination of features to make you unstoppable. Get things done fast with high performance,...
- Intel Iris Xe graphics: Impressive performance for creating, gaming, and entertainment. A new level of graphics performance and crisp, stunning...
Are you looking for luxury design elements combined with top-class performance? If your answer is YES! You can easily choose the HP Pavilion x360, which is one of the best laptops under $500 on the market with no apparent deal-breaker flaws and the $500 will be an i5 laptop.
The 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 chipset, which has four cores, handles the CPU utilization. The turbo runs at 4.5GHz thanks to Intel’s Turbo Boost technology. The advanced multi-core output ensures smooth content development through Adobe apps and even runs 3D software such as Blender.
While the Intel Iris integrated graphics handle the graphics and visuals, the graphics-optimized chipset does the bulk of the heavy lifting, allowing you to run programs like Audacity, lightweight games, and Ardour with minimal effort.
With 8GB DDR4 RAM, multitasking is easy without lagging. However, despite NVMe support, the 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD feels slightly limited in terms of raw storage space. The solid-state drive is anything but slow, and it loads Windows 11 Home edition faster than a SATA-powered SSD.
Because of the maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, the 14-inch screen is incredibly bright. Even though this is a low-cost laptop, the micro-edge screen improves the visual experience by increasing the display-to-body ratio to a respectable 82 percent.
The WLED panel also has anti-glare support that is useful for students who are involved in work or content creation in video or audio.
HP also includes a sturdy keyboard with adequate key movement and a sensitive touchpad with gesture support. Also, there is an integrated TrueVision webcam for students to use, dual-array microphones, and amplified sound speakers with noise-reduction features.
HP Pavilion x360 is one of the best premium-looking laptops on our list, weighing just 3.55 pounds. The port configuration is very extensive, with HP-like USB 3.1, HDMI, and a data-transfer Type-C port with a throughput of up to 5 Gbps.
It outperforms the competition with smooth Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity levels, and the battery well-known for its 10.45-hour backup time.
In summary, the HP Pavilion x360 is easily one of the best laptops under $500 laptops to purchase, as long as you’re willing to live with the non-backlit keyboard features.
PROS
- Elegant design
- Excellent performance
- Strong laptop performance
- Premium design & good build quality
- Decent selection of ports
- Clicky and tactile keyboard
- Full-day battery life with fast charging
CONS
- No optical drive
How To Choose The Best Laptops Under $500 For You
For laptops under $500, inconsistent pricing depleted inventory, and retail-only sales make shopping difficult. But even if you’re not familiar with computer specs, you can still find the right Windows laptop by looking for the following features:
- Processor: 11th, 12th, or 13th generation Intel Core i3 or i5 processors or AMD Ryzen 3 or 5 7000 series processors are recommended. Avoid AMD processors such as dual-core A9, Intel Pentium, or Celeron processors.
- Display: Look for a display with 1080p resolution. Many vendors list it as 1920×1080 or “FHD”. A computer that meets the other requirements and has a standard HD (1366×768) display is sufficient for basic tasks.
- Storage: Choose a 128 GB or larger solid-state drive (SSD) and avoid hard drives (abbreviated as “HDD” on some product pages).
Memory: Get 8 GB of memory (sometimes labeled as “RAM”). 4 GB will get the job done quickly, but less will prevent you from running multiple programs at the same time.
(Chromebooks have different requirements to work well. Chromebooks perform better than Windows laptops with 4 GB RAM and even with slightly slower processors.
If you’re looking to buy a cheap laptop, go for big retailers with good return policies like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, or the manufacturer. Avoid big-deal sites like BuyDig. Buying a refurbished model is also a great way to save money.
If you are buying a refurbished laptop, do so from an authorized manufacturer or authorized reseller, and do not purchase refurbished models from sellers such as Amazon.
When the laptop arrives, we carefully unpack the box, put in all the parts and accessories, and test the computer thoroughly. Check for a messy touchpad, dirty unresponsive keys, dark discolored screen, and if you find anything you don’t like, return the laptop as soon as possible.
If you wait too long, you will get stuck. Some manufacturers only allow a two-week return period.
How we pick/Choose the best laptops under $500 For College Students
You won’t find a good laptop under $500, and even a good one doesn’t come cheap. At this cost, you’re in serious business, and it’s worth understanding how system components affect your experience.
- Processor: 11th, 12th, or 13th generation Intel Core i3 or Core i5 processors or AMD Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 7000 series processors recommended. Core i3 and Ryzen 3 processors are good for casual use and basic school work, but not for multitasking. The Core i5 and Ryzen 5 are faster and better at multitasking, which is rare in this price range. Avoid AMD processors such as the dual-core A9, and also avoid Intel Pentium and Celeron processors such as the N4200 and N5000. I’ve found that these renderers don’t work with multiple applications open.
- Storage: Some cheap Windows laptops still come with sluggish hard drives or unbearably slow hybrid drives. The laptop takes so long to boot, launch apps, and browse files, and you have time to grab a coffee and stretch before doing anything else. I’ve found that using flash memory (preferably an SSD, but eMMC or UFS drives can be used in a pinch) instead of a traditional hard drive greatly improves day-to-day performance, even better than using a faster processor or more memory. However, avoid Windows laptops with less than 64 GB of flash storage. I can’t even run Windows Update without an external drive.
- Display: Models with 1080p displays (1920 x 1080 resolution) offer sharper images and more screen real estate than cheaper 1366 x 768 displays. In-plane switching (IPS) displays are recommended because they have more accurate colors and better viewing angles than twisted nematic (TN) panels.
- RAM: It’s unusual (but possible) to get 4GB+ of RAM for under $500 without sacrificing other important specs. However, 8GB is good for computers you’ll have in a few years, as you’ll be able to run multiple programs and browser tabs smoothly.
- Keyboards and Trackpads – Keyboards and trackpads should be durable and responsive, and input devices should not get in the way when using an external keyboard and mouse. The backlit keyboard is a plus, but rare in this price range.
- Bloatware: Cheap Windows laptops come with a lot of bloatware, which is especially problematic for laptops with slow processors, low memory, and limited storage. To speed up boot times, fix potential security holes, and get rid of annoying notifications, we recommend following these steps to remove unnecessary apps right after unpacking your laptop. After removing the bloatware, I noticed a slight fluctuation in performance.
- Build Quality: Cheap laptops are not the epitome of industrial design, but a computer shouldn’t be breakable. Many laptops in this price range are oversized 15-inch laptops with cheap plastic casings, flimsy keys, and tattered trackpads. A good laptop should be solid, not bend your fingers as you type, and not creak every time you click the trackpad or press the spacebar.
At $500, we don’t have much control over the size, battery life, ports, and other features we consider when evaluating the most expensive laptops, so it’s nice to know those details, but they didn’t determine our choice. In this category, we want to find only usable laptops.
How we tested the best laptops under $500 For College Students
We benchmark each laptop extensively (both synthetic and real-world) before reaching our reviewers. We test every aspect of laptops: performance, battery life, display, speakers, thermal management, and more.
The benchmark test uses a Klein K10 colorimeter to measure the brightness and sRGB color gamut of laptop displays. In terms of performance testing, I ran the laptop through several benchmarks including Geekbench 4.3 and 5.0, 3DMark Professional Graphics Test.
To see the real-world performance, I asked the laptop to upconvert his 4K video to 1080p resolution and mirror a 4.97 GB media file. The actual graphics benchmark is DiRT 3 at 1080p on medium settings.
We also ran a thermal test that played a 15-minute full-screen video and measured temperatures in different areas of the laptop. Last but not least, the battery test involved continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness.
Running times of 10+ hours are considered decent results for MacBooks and high-end laptops running Windows 11, but gaming and workstation laptops that can last 5 hours or more deserve praise.
These tests were supplemented by extensive hands-on testing by reviewers who questioned everything from the laptop’s materials to the feel of the trackpad.
FAQs on Best Laptops For College Students Under 500 Dollar
Is a laptop under $500 a decent option for first-year college students?
The majority of college curriculums begin with simple courses that often include typing assignments or attending online lectures.
So, a $500 laptop is useful because it provides many productivity-enhancing specifications, such as a good camera, microphone collection, adequate keyboard, and efficient system requirements at that price.
What is the most critical function that a laptop for college students should have?
If you want to prioritize one feature, you should always choose a device with a good battery backup. College students are always on the move whether inside or outside the building, so charging a laptop every minute time is not always an option.
As a result, if you want to be more efficient in the long and short term, consider buying a portable laptop with long-lasting battery life.
What are the chosen processor families for sub-$500 laptop manufacturers?
The majority of low-cost, student-oriented laptops come with Intel G-series or U-series chipsets. Although G-series processors, such as the i3-XXXXG, and i5-XXXXG are graphics-optimized, U-series CPUs, such as the i3-XXXXU, are much more powerful and generate less heat.
Which type of display should a college student go for?
Aside from academic activities, a college student needs a laptop for comprehensive media consumption. As a result, a full HD screen is recommended for improved color quality and visual experience.
Aside from all of that, a laptop with a matte screen is advised to purchase for better daylight visibility
Are Chromebooks useful to college students?
If you are involved in online assignments, collaborations, and meetings, Chromebooks can be extremely useful for you.
The lack of storage space can limit unrestricted media consumption, but when it comes to technical tasks. They often outperform Windows-powered laptops.
Best Laptops For College Students Under 500 Dollars in 2024 – Reviews
Conclusion: Best Laptops For College Students Under $500
Choosing a laptop under $500 for a college student can be difficult because we must consider each of their interests before making decisions. As a student, you are incredibly fickle when it comes to gadget-centric specifications, and determining your needs can be very hard sometimes.
- If you’re a college student looking for a laptop with power, efficiency, and long battery life, the Lenovo Ideapad 3i is the best option for you.
- If you want a powerful laptop with a great GPU for entry-level gaming, Asus VivoBook Flip 14 is the perfect choice you must consider.
- The Dell Inspiron 15 is the best choice for AMD fans who also value portability.
- Finally, if you are a die-hard fan of the Windows operating system, the Lenovo IdeaPad 14 is the best laptop for you to buy because it has a hundred percent quality IPS display, a good chunk of laptop memory, and an excellent battery backup.
We hope you can find the ideal laptop for your computing requirements from our compiled list. Nevertheless, if you are still confused and need professional guidance, please contact us or leave a comment below.
Our laptop specialists are always ready to help you out anytime any day and they’re known for assisting people in selecting the best alternative in less than 12 hours. Meanwhile, you can use our Laptop Search tool, which will help you to sort laptops based on their specifications.
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